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intelligent

The University of Alicante (Spain) is taking part in a project that will develop intelligent materials for aerospace, automotive and transportation industries. The main aim will be to improve the safety of occupants and the durability of the components.

Researchers from the Department of Civil Engineering from the University of Alicante and the tech company Applynano Solutions are carrying out this project known as MASTRO, which stands for Intelligent Bulk Materials for Smart Transport Industries. The project is part of the Horizon 2020 programme, which is the biggest investment system for R&D in Europe.

Their goal is to develop intelligent materials for the transportation sector. In particular, the aerospace and automotive industries will be the main targets. Amongst other innovations, these materials will be able to monitor their own deformations and they will also be capable of heating and defrosting their surfaces. Besides, thanks to their capability to repair and protect themselves from damage, they will improve their efficiency, their durability and users’ safety. At the same time, manufacturing and maintenance costs will be reduced, as well as emissions.

In order to develop these materials, different matrices will be used, including polymers, concrete and carbon nanomaterials. Their functions will be based on three processes: the variation of electric resistivity when a material is subjected to a mechanical load, the relation between the heat that is generated and the electric flux, and electrostatic discharge.

One the one hand, the Spanish university will work on the development of the function related to perception of strain and damage on structures made of reinforced concrete. In addition, the previously mentioned institution will also focus on the heating of surfaces made of asphalt and concrete in order to avoid the formation of ice.

On the other hand, Applynano Solutions will work on the development of the carbon nanomaterials, the manufacturing of composites and the production of prototypes.

These are exciting news for the European research community, since not only Spain but also institutions from United Kingdom, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany and Sweden will collaborate with the MASTRO project. Hopefully, we’ll see encouraging results in the near future! I’ll keep you updated!